Rangers on impressive run in August

ARLINGTON -- The Rangers went into Tuesday's game with 107 runs scored in August, the most in the American League by 17 over the Red Sox. The Rangers were averaging 6.3 runs per game, and with 10 games to go in the month, were on pace to score 170 runs in the momth. Their record for most runs in any month was 185 in August, 1977.

The Rangers were eighth in runs scored in July and 12th in June. The improvement this month has come depsite Nelson Cruz serving his 50-game suspension, although the Rangers were able to alleviate that loss by acquiring Alex Rios from the White Sox.

"We have been able to get loose on the basepaths," manager Ron Washington said. "We have been able to do a lot of things that have been presented to us. If Nelson had been in the lineup, it would have been the same thing."

Astros manager Bo Porter has seen the Rangers wreak havoc on his pitching.

"They're using their skill sets to put them in the best position to be successful," Porter said. "There's no weak links up and down their lineup."